ATMF Champions UK Manufacturing at Source Fashion
As the countdown begins to Source Fashion at Olympia London (13th – 15th January 2026), a renewed focus on UK skills, craftsmanship and local supply chains is set to take centre stage – with Leicester manufacturers firmly in the spotlight.
This season sees the launch of Fashion Deconstructed, a brand-new immersive feature designed to celebrate the people, skills and processes behind responsible fashion production. Created in response to growing demand for transparency, authenticity and UK-based sourcing, the initiative invites visitors to experience the making of fashion first-hand through live demonstrations, repair workshops and material-led storytelling.
Crucially for Leicester, the show also reinforces the vital role the city plays in the UK apparel industry, with the Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) once again stepping forward to support local manufacturers on a national stage.
(ATMF stand promoting Leicester businesses at Source London July 2025)
ATMF Supporting Leicester-Based Suppliers
For the second year running, ATMF will provide dedicated rail space for Leicester-based manufacturers, making it easier for buyers, brands and retailers to connect directly with trusted UK suppliers. The initiative removes barriers for smaller and medium-sized manufacturers, ensuring Leicester’s production capabilities, skills base and ethical manufacturing strengths are clearly visible to an international sourcing audience.
This continued presence reflects a wider industry shift towards reshoring, shorter supply chains and stronger relationships with UK manufacturers – areas where Leicester has long been a national leader. By championing local suppliers at Source Fashion, ATMF is helping to secure future opportunities for Leicester’s manufacturing community while reinforcing confidence in British-made fashion.
(Source London – July 2025)
Skills, Training and Ethical Production
Alongside ATMF’s work, Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) – one of the UK’s leading ethical manufacturers and training providers will have a dedicated stand at Source Fashion. Visitors will be able to engage directly with FEL’s expertise in garment production, workforce training and sustainable manufacturing practices, many of which are rooted in Leicester and the wider Midlands.
FEL will also play a key role within the Fashion Deconstructed programme, delivering practical sessions that underline the importance of skills development, repair and garment longevity as part of a responsible fashion future.
Together, ATMF and Fashion-Enter’s involvement highlights a shared commitment to protecting UK manufacturing skills, supporting local jobs and building resilient domestic supply chains – values that sit at the heart of Leicester Made.
Fashion Deconstructed: Programme Highlights
Running across all three days, Fashion Deconstructed invites buyers, designers and sourcing professionals to step inside the making of fashion, exploring the craftsmanship and production techniques behind high-quality, responsibly made garments.
Tuesday 13th January
11:00 – 12:00
Repair & Upcycling Workshop: Giving Your Clothes a Second Life
Hosted by Fashion-Enter Ltd, this hands-on workshop introduces visitors to visible mending, garment repair and creative upcycling. Led by expert makers, the session demonstrates simple techniques that extend garment life, reduce textile waste and reinforce the value of skilled workmanship.
Due to popularity, this session will run every day of the show.
12:00 – 13:00
Reworking Waste: The Elvis & Kresse Leather Workshop
Luxury leather salvage specialists Elvis & Kresse showcase how discarded leather offcuts can be transformed into refined, functional products through skilled design and craftsmanship.
Wednesday 14th January
11:00 – 12:00
The Handloom in Motion: Live Weaving Demonstration
A rare opportunity to see one of fashion’s oldest crafts in action, taking audiences from raw fibre through hand-spinning and loom set-up to finished cloth.
Also repeated on Thursday.
14:00 – 15:00
LaundRE’s Reprocessing in Action: Live Circular Denim Demo
A live demonstration of innovative denim reprocessing technology, showing how worn garments can be renewed using laser and ozone systems.
Thursday 15th January
As Source Fashion draws to a close, Fashion Deconstructed remains a vibrant hub of live making, skills exchange and industry insight, offering a final opportunity to engage with the techniques, people and processes shaping responsible fashion production in the UK.
View the full Fashion Deconstructed schedule and seminar programme: www.source-fashion.com/seminars
Tap here to view seminars featuring speakers from FEL, N Brown, WRAP, The Industry and more.